Note: This story contains spoilers from the “The Idol” episode 4.
With only two episodes left in its five-episode season, HBO’s “The Idol” gave “Euphoria” a run for its money as the questionable relationship between rebounding pop star Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) and shady nightclub owner Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye) got even more twisted.
Last week’s episode left off with Jocelyn divulging her newfound friends about the abuse she faced from her mother, who would use a hairbrush to hit her when she was disobedient, using it as a correcting tool when Jocelyn did not live up to her mother’s standards. After hearing these painful memories, Tedros instructed Jocelyn to get the hairbrush, explaining she had to work through the trauma to come out stronger.
By episode 4, titled “Stars Belong to the World,” Tedros has taken over even more of Jocelyn’s decisions as Dyanne (Jennie Kim), Jocelyn’s backup dancer and friend, slides into the spotlight.
Keep reading to get the full picture of just how much “The Idol” intensified by its second to last episode of the season.
Destiny Revealed Tedros’ True Identity — and His Rap Sheet
At the start of the episode, Destiny (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) confronted Jocelyn’s other manager Chaim (Hank Azaria) after learning Tedros’ real name and his criminal record. Mauricio Costello Jackson, aka as Tedros, was on trial for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and holding her hostage for three days, during which he tortured her.
Destiny Suggested They Kill the “Motherf–r”
After revealing Tedros’ past, Destiny proposed to Chaim: “I think we should kill this motherf–r.” Chaim resisted the suggestion and the duo instead came up with a new plan in which Destiny became the eyes and ears at Jocelyn’s house — observing Tedros’ every move.
Cracks Begin to Slip in Tedros’ Story
Destiny’s first hint at trouble came through in a conversation with Chloe (Suzanna Son), in which Destiny gave her pointers on singing and asked her about her relationship with Tedros. Chloe told Destiny that Tedros saved her life, getting her off the streets when she was a heroine addict and letting her sleep at the club until she and the rest of Tedros’ crew moved into Jocelyn’s mansion. When Destiny asked how old Chloe is, Chloe started saying 17, but instead corrected herself and said she is 18.
Tedros Pleasured Jocelyn in Front of Her Friends and Business Associates
In an effort to get the best music out of Jocelyn, Tedros blindfolded her while they’re recording a new song in front of Jocelyn’s friends and several producers, telling Jocelyn to imagine it’s just the two of them in the room. Tedros began to pleasure Jocelyn in front of the microphone as Destiny, Leia (Rachel Sennott), Mike Dean and a gaggle of others watched.
Dyanne Is Offered “World Class Sinner”
After taking center stage on the music video for “World Class Sinner,” Nikki brought in Dyanne for a meeting at Jocelyn’s record label, during which they offered the once backup dancer an irresistible ticket to stardom, beginning with recording “World Class Sinner” as her own. We have yet to hear Dyanne’s answer yet, but the offer is pretty hard to refuse.
Tedros Used the Shock Collar on Xander
After creeping on Xander (Troye Sivan) and listening to him sing in the shower, Tedros called for everyone staying at the house to get up and get in a line as he began to pick on Xander. Rehashing past drama surrounding Xander’s role in keeping the abuse against Jocelyn on the low, among other situations, Tedros took out his shock collar — which Jocelyn fetched for him — and used the collar on Xander, despite his efforts to run away. Hours later, it’s clear Xander was restrained by the collar all day.
Tedros Pressured Jocelyn to Divulge her Abuse to the World
After waking up Jocelyn with a brilliant idea, Tedros suggested that Jocelyn share her trauma with the world. Minutes later, Jocelyn appeared on an Instagram live and told her followers about the abuse she faced from her mother, making a promise that her past trauma won’t affect the person she wants to be and confirming her plans to become “a new Jocelyn.”
Jocelyn Learned Dyanne’s Secrets — and Lets Go of “World Class Sinner”
At a party at Jocelyn’s house, Dyanne showed up and began talking to Tedros quite intensely. Meanwhile, Chloe revealed to Jocelyn that Tedros and Dyanne knew each other well before Jocelyn first met Tedros at the club, and in fact, Tedros asked Dyanne to bring Jocelyn to the club in the first place.
When Jocelyn finally talked to Dyanne, Dyanne told her about the offer to take “World Class Sinner” as her own, and asked Jocelyn for permission to take it over. Blown away by the news, Jocelyn told Dyanne to take the single.
Jocelyn Called Her Ex-Boyfriend, Giving Tedros the Perfect Opportunity for Sabotage
Upon learning about Dyanne’s relationship with Tedros, Jocelyn invited her ex-boyfriend, Rob(Karl Glusman), to come to the party, seemingly picking up their fling after he cheated on Jocelyn with a co-star. When Rob walked in, he has no clue who Tedros is, leading Tedros to get wildly intimidated by the actor. Jocelyn hooked up with Rob, forgetting all about Tedros and leaving him waiting by the door.
When Rob left, Xander approached him and asked for a photo with a scantily clad girl from Tedros’ crew, who surprises Rob by posing in some very suggestive ways for the photo. “It’s perfect,” Xander said as Rob leaves, confirming a plot to compromise his relationship with Jocelyn and/or leak the photos online that was likely devised by Tedros.
“The Idol” season finale will air Sunday, July 2, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, and stream on Max.
